Groundwater for Sustainable Development最新文献

Agriculture, urbanisation, and industrial growth have significantly increased water demand, leading to water pollution, necessitating the protection of rivers, wetlands, and ecosystems. Hence, a strategy is needed that is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which includes ensuring safe and affordable drinking water (SDG 6.1), implementing integrated water resources management (SDG 6.5), and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems (SDG 6.6). This review article introduces the concept of water neutrality (WN), a planning approach for new urban developments aimed at minimising impacts on water security. The peer-reviewed articles and governmental reports published between 2014 and 2024 provide an overview of the current water situation. It also explores the potential benefits of WN, evaluates existing policies and case studies, and offers actionable recommendations. The study reveals that implementing water-related policies often faces challenges, such as political commitment, insufficient funding, and weak monitoring systems, particularly in developing countries. In India, water policies primarily focus on irrigation, drinking water supply, and pollution control. However, these policies struggle due to weak enforcement and conflicting stakeholder interests. The study recommends significant policy reforms and the adoption of new approaches to achieve WN, which promote integrated water resource management, strengthen governance, pricing mechanisms, advanced pollution control technologies, climate-resilient infrastructure, and public awareness, all while aligning with SDG 6. Innovative solutions, such as smart irrigation systems and water recycling programs, offer promising paths to address water scarcity. Additionally, international collaborations can further support these goals. Integrating WN into SDG 6 has the potential to significantly enhance global water security and sustainability.

Micropollutants (MPs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products and suspended particles have been a great menace to water resources in recent times. Especially diclofenac (DCF) and ciprofloxacin (CFP) have been shown to have varying toxic effects on several aquatic organisms. As a results, it is necessary to remove the MPs from aquatic systems. The development of membranes with enhanced permeability, fouling resistance, stability, and efficacious contaminants, as well as salt removal from wastewater. These requirements for the effective filtration of wastewater could be resolved by incorporating highly water-stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into membranes. In this study, cellulose acetate (CLA), polysulfone (PS) [CLA/PS] (M1) and MOF-incorporated CLA/PS/MIL-88A membrane (M2)—were synthesized, characterised and assessed for their filtration and rejection functions. The M2 membranes exhibited high rejection efficiency of 80 % and 78 % for diclofenac and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Also, the prepared materials were characterised using suitable analytical instruments. Additionally, the membrane's antifouling properties of about 90 % flux recovery ratio and pure water permeability (84.2 L/h m²) were studied. Moreover, the MIL-88A incorporated into cellulose acetate enhances the stability and reusability of the M2 membrane, providing good potential for the stable and effective removal of micropollutants for water treatment.

The large-scale recycling of treated wastewater plays a pivotal role in promoting groundwater sustainability, addressing water scarcity, and ensuring efficient resource utilization to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aimed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of an innovative large-scale treated wastewater recycling project for indirect groundwater recharge in the Kolar district of Karnataka, India. Data regarding project and cultivation costs were obtained from multiple government organizations. Analysis was based on nine years of agricultural production data (2014–2022). A linear extrapolation was conducted on total production data, using 2018 as a reference point for a business-as-usual case, to quantify the benefits resulting from the project. The study's findings indicated a significant expansion in cultivated land and improved productivity due to the water security, leading to an increase in revenues. There was a significant 3-time increase in raw cocoon production and related revenues. Year-round filled tanks resulted in >24-times increase in fish production and revenues. The cost-benefit analysis confirmed that the project's benefits exceeded the costs, with a net present value of US$ 159.97 million at 8 % interest rates on fixed capital cost and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 4.34. The BCR in the context of the cost of crop cultivation, raw cocoon, and fish production was 3.14. This indicates substantial economic benefits due to the water recycling project. Furthermore, the recycling project has potential to improve employment opportunities, boost local economy and promote sustainability. Results provide evidence for policymakers to design an integrated framework that includes treated wastewater reuse for groundwater recharge and achieve multiple Sustainable Development goal (SDG), mainly SDG - 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and well-being) and 6 (water and sanitation for all). This approach encourages circular economies, enhances agro-economic systems, and ensures a sustainable balance between development, agriculture, and resource responsibility in developing countries.

Innovative and effective remediation techniques are required with regard to growing environmental concerns on hazardous dye pollutants emitted by the textile industries. The review explores on the recent developments in utilization of genetically modified organisms (GMO) for the dye removal. Through improved capacities and specificities towards dye pollutants, genetically modified organisms present a potential strategy towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6 of the UN, focused on clean water and sanitation. The key findings show that genetic engineering methods, including recombinant DNA (rDNA) and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, can increase the capacity of bacteria to degrade, metabolize, or immobilize dye pollutants, improving degradation efficiency from around 7%–65%. The enzymatic processes are identified as the primary mechanisms involved in dye compound degradation by genetically engineered microbes. The review emphasizes the use of genetic approaches for dye degradation, co-cultivation with native microbial communities, optimizing operational parameters like pH, temperature, and nutrient availability, and omics technologies for a deeper understanding of metabolic networks and regulatory mechanisms with the aim of leading future genetic advancements in dye remediation. The review discusses the practical feasibility and environmental safety challenges of using genetically engineered microbes in sustainable dye remediation, highlighting limitations and future insights.

This study aims to assess the level of groundwater pollution risk in the Triffa Plain, stemming from various pollution sources, with a specific focus on agricultural intensification and excessive pesticide use. Data were collected from ABHM (the Moulouya Hydraulic Basin Agency) and ORMVAM (Regional Office of Moulouya Agricultural Development), and a field visit was conducted in July 2023. The study utilized two main methodologies for mapping risk intensity: the COST 620 action and overlaying vulnerability maps with the land use (LU) factor. Vulnerability maps were generated using the original DRASTIC method and the new dynamic vulnerability assessment method, GCITF.

The research approach involved comparing the COST 620 risk index (Ri) and the land use risk index (LU) to identify the most suitable method for the study area. Due to challenges in inventorying various point sources of pollution, the study focused on mapping the primary sources of pollution (diffuse, point, and linear). The key findings indicate that the predominant pollution intensity in the region is high, covering 60.66% of the total surface area. These results closely align with those obtained using the European COST 620 approach and the spatial distribution of nitrates. The study demonstrates the reliability of integrating the GCITF method in assessing groundwater contamination risk, highlighting the significant negative impacts of agricultural activities on the Triffa Plain aquifer, primarily due to uncontrolled pesticide and fertilizer use and point sources of pollution.

This study suggests that implementing targeted technical solutions for specific pollution sources is crucial for reducing contamination in the Triffa Plain. These pollution risk intensity maps can assist planners and decision-makers in understanding the origin of pollution and identifying necessary actions to minimize contamination risk, contributing to better groundwater management and protection in the region.

Groundwater is crucial in meeting the water needs of communities, industries, and ecosystems. The effective management of this resource is essential for maintaining the long-term stability of both the environmental and socio-economic conditions. This work focuses on assessing the sustainability of groundwater abstraction in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, specifically from well fields situated within the small-scale watersheds of Winter River and North River. The advanced time series analysis techniques, including Vector Error Correction Models (VECM), Impulse Response Functions (IRFs), and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD) are employed to investigate the relationships among precipitation, temperature, groundwater abstraction, and stream flows. The analysis of IRFs reveals dynamic responses of streams to various shocks, including the variation of temperature, precipitation and well discharges, which showcase related immediate impacts, short-term responses, and long-term relationships. Temperature fluctuations exhibit complex responses, with short-term response decreases followed by sustained increases. Precipitation emerges as a dominant factor, showing sustained positive impacts on streamflow. Well operations significantly influence stream ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of optimized well operation strategies. The FEVD revealed that the first forecast horizon for all stream flows is primarily influenced by past shocks in precipitation with 16–55% in addition to other factors. The walk forward cross-validated forecast values for the next 24 months align with seasonal trends, reflecting declining discharge in summer, variable but generally decreasing discharge in fall, and increased discharge in winter and spring. The study findings provide recommendations for sustainable groundwater abstraction practices, including optimizing well operation strategies, community and stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem preservation.

Innumerable studies have emphasized elevated fluoride (Fˉ) and uranium (U) levels in shallow aquifers in the semi-arid region of Punjab, India, endangering the groundwater-dependent population's health. This study examines the factors and mechanisms contributing to Fˉ and U co-occurrence in the region's aquifers to enhance the understanding of the contaminants' behaviour. Fˉ and U concentrations were higher in shallow aquifers (<60 m) compared to deeper (>60 m), and both the contaminants surpassed their respective permissible limits under excess EC, TDS, Clˉ, NO₃ˉ, SO₄²ˉ, Na⁺, and K⁺ levels. Elevated EC and TDS and their strong correlation with U and Fˉ suggest high salinity facilitated mobilization and co-contamination by increasing ionic strength and competitive behaviour through ion exchange mechanisms. Additionally, scanty precipitation, enhanced evapotranspiration, and aridity were significantly correlated to Fˉ and U, highlighting that these meteorological variables positively influence this co-contamination, particularly in the Malwa region. The mixed chemical composition of the groundwater emanated from rock-water interaction and evaporation, which further increased Fˉ and U and facilitated their co-occurrence. U existed predominantly as UO₂(CO₃)₂²ˉ and UO₂(CO₃)₃⁴ˉ (95%), which corroborated with a strong positive correlation with HCO₃ˉ, whereas fluoride existed mainly as free Fˉ (90%). The findings of this work will help the scientific community to address similar issues in other arid and semi-arid regions globally and investigate the potential synergistic effect and health risks associated with the co-occurrence of Fˉ and U in the groundwater.

Kathua is one of the fast-growing industrial districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, northern India. The primary source of water in Kathua is groundwater, which is widely used for industrial, agricultural, drinking, and building purposes. The groundwater system is changing significantly both in terms of quantity and quality in the study area due to recent industrial and infrastructural developments. Thus, 40 groundwater samples were collected from different wells in the pre-monsoon season, May 2022, and analyzed for physicochemical variables to determine the impact of geogenic and anthropogenic activities on the groundwater. The drinking groundwater quality appears to be excellent to good. Of the variables that were examined, two—TH and HCO₃—had concentrations higher than the recommended limits of the BIS and WHO guidelines. Groundwater contains alkaline earth metals and weak acids, and its hydrochemistry is controlled by rock‒water interactions (silicate weathering or cation exchange and reverse-ion exchange processes). Several parameters (electrical conductivity, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, and the Kelly’s ratio) were used to evaluate groundwater suitability for irrigation. The permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, and residual sodium carbonate indicate that the groundwater of a few samples is unsuitable for irrigation purposes. Land use/land cover (LULC) change analysis was used to determine the potential impacts of LULC changes on groundwater. Anthropogenic interventions are a major cause of LULC changes that are considerably reducing groundwater recharge zones, increasing surface runoff, and artificially polluting groundwater through domestic and industrial wastes, according to the LULC analysis conducted using satellite data for the year 2017 and 2022. Therefore, to minimize the effects of LULC on groundwater, prompt action must be taken, requiring regular monitoring of groundwater quality and LULC changes. The results of the study may be useful to the general public, farmers, and policy makers in the sustainable development and management of groundwater.

Investigating concentrations and spatial patterns of physicochemical parameters in landfill leachate and their profound impacts on stream sediments is an important issue for environmental sustainability. Therefore, the present study showed that the specifics landfill leachate and its interactions with stream sediments within the unique geological context of semi-arid basaltic terrain of the Deccan Volcanic Province in Pune, India. Employing advanced geo-accumulation indices and crystal phase differentiation methods, the study unveils the intricate metamorphosis of heavy metals and mineralogical composition, tracing the transformative journey from leachate to sediments. Noteworthy revelations emerge, particularly in the striking associations between heavy metals and the mineralogical composition, which encompasses primary and secondary minerals (calcite, quartz, and Fe–Mg oxides). These findings underscore the acceleration of weathering processes within this distinctive geological milieu. The 'geo-accumulation index' exhibits pronounced elevations in proximity to the landfill site, with persistence downstream, reliant upon the evolving weathering and accumulation dynamics. The lower reaches of the study area have higher concentrations of various heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Hg, As, and Cd). These heavy metals are primarily sequestered within silt-dominated sediments conquered by augite, olivine and plagioclase minerals. Present research reveals the complex interplay between heavy metals in leachate and their physical and chemical interactions with sedimentary materials. These gradational shifts in mineralogy and geochemistry serve as compelling evidence of the transformative impact of leachate discharge within the distinctive basaltic geological framework. This study offers valuable insights into the complex environmental processes occurring at the intersection of landfill leachate and natural geological formations, enhancing the understanding of the dynamic geochemical interactions that shape this semi-arid basaltic terrain.

In water-scarce regions, perennial springs can be a valuable source of drinking water. However, to identify unreported springs and shallow water upwelling zones, it is essential to understand the factors that control spring localization. In a crystalline basement, as in Sri Lanka, without a sedimentary cover, faults and fractures provide the only far-reaching fluid pathways and springs commonly emerge at fault/fracture intersections. While surveying cold and hot water springs in Sri Lanka, it was observed that all springs probed were located at the edge of alluvium. In order to gain insight into this relationship, we performed a topographic and geomorphological analysis was conducted utilizing remote sensing, geological and soil maps, and geological mapping in the field. The results of our analysis of 27 springs indicate that their localization is controlled by fault intersections, non-permeable clay in the alluvium and laterite, and the chemically weathered surface of the bedrock. Furthermore, the constant discharge rates observed over the years and isotope analysis suggest that the springs are part of a tens-of-kilometer-wide regional groundwater system. Based on these results, we propose a conceptual model in which water rises at fault intersections from depth until it reaches the base of the alluvium where up to several meters thick clay with low to zero permeability further inhibits vertical flow forcing the water to spread laterally. Along the alluvium clay boundary with the more permeable weathered bedrock, the water continues its path to the surface. The localization of springs differs from that of fault intersection by tens of meters, with the potential for mixing between shallow and deep groundwater. This observed effect of alluvium and their contact boundaries on spring localization has not been reported for Sri Lanka. Consequently, discharge rates may be significantly increased if the fault intersections are specifically targeted by shallow drilling.